What is yoga?
The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word yuj, which is classically translated as "union" or a method of discipline. There are several different methodologies for practicing yoga. Yoga BDSM simply focuses on a specific physical posture or posture sequences designed to turn your light inward and deepen your sense of self or open the body and heart to shine your light outward.
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What is Hatha Yoga?
Hatha yoga simply refers to the asanas (physical exercises or postures). Hatha is translated as ha meaning "sun" and tha meaning "moon." This refers to the balance of masculine aspects—active, hot, sun—and feminine aspects—receptive, cool, moon—within all of us. Hatha yoga is a path toward creating balance and uniting opposites. In our physical bodies we develop a balance of strength and flexibility. We also learn to balance our effort and surrender in each pose. Hatha asks us to bring our attention to our breath, which helps us to still the fluctuations of the mind and be more present in the unfolding of each moment.
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What is an Asana?
Asana is the Sanskrit word for posture, and posture is at the core of the physical practice. The literal translation is “seat” and so Asana is the seat of awareness. The asanas are designed to open the many channels of the body—especially the main channel, the spine—so that energy can flow freely. Postures as physical exercises will indeed make the body strong and aligned. Choosing postures which nourish where depleted and pacify where there is excess help bring our lives into balance.
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What does Namaste mean?
Namaste is derived from Sanskrit and is a combination of two words, "Namaḥ" and "te." Namaḥ means ‘bow,’ ‘reverential salutation’ or ‘adoration’ and te means ‘to you’. Therefore, NAMASTE literally means "salutations to you.” It is a customary greeting when individuals meet and upon their parting. When spoken to another person, it is commonly accompanied by a slight bow made with hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointed upwards, in front of the chest. This gesture, called Anjali Mudra, can also be performed wordlessly and carries the same meaning.
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Who can practice yoga?
Each practice session is individually catered to your own specific practice needs. Absolutely anybody who simply has the desire to practice yoga can. Yoga exercises teach us to strengthen where weakness resides and lengthen where tightness holds us back. With regular practice, yoga will help keep you fit, confident, strong, flexible, mentally and physically balanced, and self-disciplined.
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How strong and flexible do I need to be to practice yoga?
Many people think that they need to already be strong and flexible to begin yoga, but that's a little bit like thinking that you need to be able to play tennis in order to take tennis lessons. Come as you are and you will find that yoga practice will help you become stronger and more flexible. This new found agility will also be accompanied by balanced, coordination, enhanced cardiovascular health, as well as a sense of physical confidence and overall well-being.
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How often do I need to practice yoga?
If you're new to yoga, it may not be a practical idea to practice yoga daily, especially while you're getting used to yoga in your life. Instead, aim for at least one REGULAR practice per week and gradually increase the days until practice becomes less of a hurdle. The body is happiest with REGULAR practice and will respond well to your conscious efforts. However, do not force yourself into longer or more frequent practices. Your practice will improve gradually at your pace. Remind yourself that it is better that you're doing some yoga than none at all.
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How long is each yoga practice session?
Each session is approximately 75-90 minutes, depending on your individual practice needs and goals. Be regular, not rigorous. It is far better to practice a little on a regular basis than to push yourself into a long practice on an irregular basis. It doesn't matter if you can't practice certain postures for now. Focus on the postures you can do; better still, practice the postures you enjoy. Perfect those before moving on to the ones you experience more difficulty with. Yoga is a journey, not competition or expectation of achievement.
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When is the best time to practice yoga?
Some people find that keeping to a routine of the same time of day, same amount of time, and same place of practice is most beneficial. Your mind and your body will associate that devoted time and place with yoga sessions, which can serve as great internal motivation.
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Do I need special equipment to practice yoga?
The studio is equipped with the basic props needed for practice. You may also bring any props you prefer to use during your session. Gifts and donations to the studio and Yogi Dominanda are always welcome.